Jennie1976

A baby one day old (or, heck, 3 YEARS old) would "die a natural death" if not for someone to take care of it. The ability to survive without assistance is not a requirement for life -- or *I* wouldn't even be alive!! "Baby" is a relative term. Homo Sapien (sp?) or human being would be more scientifically correct. And yes, that clump of cells is alive (scientifically) and a human being. And I'm only arguing this scientifically because when we start dealing with unknowns (or beliefs), then choice DOES come into question. But, when we deal only with science, choice has no place. Some people DO mourn these things--provided they know about it. However, no one's going to mourn the death of one of my particularly obnoxious uncles. Does that mean he's not alive? I believe that too, but my beliefs only hold true for me. I hope, but don't expect others to believe that way. To me, this is not a topic of belief. Polygamy is a topic of belief. This is a topic of science. Not exactly correct. Once something is alive (and human no less), what right do we have to kill it? And since I can prove that it is alive (and human), and I'm sure we agree that it is not okay to kill humans, then your logic makes no sense to me (but I might be misunderstanding this part). It's true, the woman has to "bear the burden of this physical reality". Life's not fair. In a truly fair world, there would be a way that this doesn't have to happen. Unfortunately, technology is not at that stage yet. When it is, I will be an advocate for that. But, it doesn't change the fact that we are killing something alive. Not that long ago, we didn't have geriatric hospitals. If someone couldn't take care of their aging parent, did they have the right to kill them? Even if they were the one "bearing the burden of the physical reality"? No. They did not. This is the same scenario. It sucks that they are in that position...whether by choice or not. But they are. And, technology being what it is, for the next nine months they are responsible for another human being. After that nine months is up, technology (or social services!) has made it possible for her to forego any other responsibilities. The fact is that they ARE living, breathing (getting oxygen from the mother), human beings already. THAT is my point. They eat. They grow. They reproduce at maturity. That is ALL that is needed to be alive--in a scientific UNBIASED argument. And because it is a human being, it should be illegal to kill it. I know this is a long post, but I'm bored and had nothing else to do! This is fun and I appreciate your opinions and arguments BJean. You've obviously put a lot of thought in this and I look forward to reading your responses!

True...the mother is more than likely inept. However, the point I was trying to make was not for her personally. It was for the four or five other girls who are dissuaded because this girl was kicked out. Sacrificing her for the four or five others is what I'm okay with. Because then, instead of 5 or 6 kids that way, I only have 1. You see it all the time -- people talking about how wonderful someone is who beat drugs/alcohol/teen pregnancy. Those are NOT the people who impress me. The people who impress me are the ones who don't make the stupid choice in the first place.

I can't have Iron, so all I take is a calcium citrate and 2 kids Flinstones Vitamins with Vitamin C -- all chewable. Hope that helps!

Elenation...I completely agree...which is why I'm so conflicted. Sex with minors is deplorable, but, in certain states, allowable by law. The girl who called for help should get ALL the help we can give her. But the others who still have their beliefs...I don't know. I just don't think the government should allow it in some cases but not others. If the girl wants to get married, no matter how misguided, and the government allows it for others, then she should be allowed to do so. Again, I do NOT agree with that law, but it IS the law. And I don't think the government should pick and choose who has to follow the law and who doesn't. Either it's a law or it's not. And, in Texas, they have allowed it before. But, the girl who called for help wanted help and should get it. Like I said, I'm conflicted. There are no clear answers. But to me, the government needs to be consistent...even if I'M not :-)

Honestly, if her having to drop out makes other girls THINK before doing something stupid and they make good decision, then I'm fine with it. I'm more interested in her baby having a good life (not a statistical probability with a 17-year-old mom), and other girls who HAVEN'T screwed up their lives yet than her life. She made her decision.

I realized that I hadn't updated myself in awhile. The last time I did, I had lost 49 pounds. I have now lose 72! AND I'm 19 pounds from onederland!!!! Allisarin…57 Amber...39 andrea71…28 Bekiboo26....58lb Bunny...62lbs Caresarn…16 Chocolate_Snaps....52lbs dsmit13…23 eastxnurse....30 lbs EL1…23 flipper64...30 georgia girl…79 Ginger_...30 Gloucester...70 lbs Gurlygirl....27 Hazeleyegrl1...45.9 lbs. itstime....23 lbs Jennie1976...72 lbs Juliacleone…36 kagoscuba...37 Kellymovingon...53 Kimmie…45 Lapband4me...32 Lapitup…22.5 Linda E......24.5 lbs Lindypie...38 Lucylu...15 Magooz07…11 mandi78…23 Mdicurn…30 Queenp....28lbs ScareDcat…65 Sirusman…67 Stacy 73… 60 suzygayle...52 lbs Texrose 575 .....24.0 lbs Thinmom…23 time4me...65 Tishamarie…49 Tulipstar...61 wannabthin...44.5 lbs

If I had been taught that it was right and correct, I can't imagine I would have any opinions to the contrary. As it is, I was taught to get married after I got my degree...so I did...and didn't think anything of it. What I'm saying is that it is not my place (or the government's) to dictate what they should believe. I don't believe in Islam...should I demand that their wives be allowed to wear miniskirts? As I said, I do NOT agree with their beliefs. My issue is with the government dictating them. Again, I'm NOT agreeing with marriage at 14...my children will certainly be taught differently. However, if the government allows it in those cases with parent permission (and this sect obviously has given parent permission), then who is the government to say that THIS particular group is not allowed to do it.

Honestly, I go back and forth on this. I do NOT believe in this cult's beliefs. But, that being said, I do NOT believe that the government has the right to intervene. It wasn't ALL that long ago that it was commonplace for 16-year-old girls to marry much older men. Modern society says that is wrong. But modern society says homosexuality is normal, we should give kids condoms, and 3-year-olds should be in preschool--and I don't agree with any of those things either. NO, I do NOT believe 14-year-olds should be married, but that IS their religious belief. I do not believe in Islam, but should the government tell them which parts of their religion they are allowed to follow? The media keeps telling us how traumatized these kids are right now. OF COURSE they're traumatized! They were just ripped from their homes! So, while I do NOT believe in that lifestyle personally, I also do NOT believe in government intervention. If a child asks the government for help, help should be given, but, also consider the following: New Hampshire allows 13-year old girls (and 14 year old boys) to get married With parent permission (and, sometimes, permission from a court), 14-year olds can marry in Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Louisana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington. Alaska, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Kansas, Oklahoma, West Virginia and Wisconsin don't have a minimum--if you are under 18 you simply need parent permission (and, sometimes, permission from a court) If our government says it's fine in those states, who are they to change the rules simply for religious purposes?!?!?!?!?!?

Things I WON'T miss (but seriously can't imagine life without yet): My thighs rubbing together Snoring (done!) Shopping at stores with large sizes (kinda done!) Not worrying about fitting into booths/chairs/plane seats/etc (done!) Having to work twice as hard to hike/ride a horse/etc. (done!) Being unbelievably embarrassed in a bathing suit Being over the weight limit on our kayak (done!) Causing a tidal wave if I get on a boat Causing an earthquake if I fall off my horse Not being able to mount my horse from the ground (done!) Not being able to cross my legs Lying on my back and not being able to breathe (done!) Wishing my husband had a wife he could be proud of (done!!!!!) Things I can't wait for (but , again, can't really imagine yet: Not having a belly (after ps) Looking my age Being hit on by GOOD LOOKING (not old, special ed, still living with mom) men (I know I'm married, but it's nice to be hit on!) Rock climbing Being as athletic as my husband (and how I USED to be) Being able to run down a hill without worrying that I"m going to fall Being smaller than my SIL Being smaller than my DH Being pregnant and LOOKING pregnant (not fat) Crossing my legs COMFORTABLY My thighs not rubbing together My next high school reunion (the only reason I missed the last one was because of all the weight I gained) Not having to ask the weight limit on things like the rock climbing wall Dancing without looking like an idiot (then again, I don't know if weight loss will cure this one!) Not constantly thinking about food Being able to run a mile with my students...and beating some of them!! Being the kind of basketball coach who runs with her kids rather than watching from the sidelines I know this is a long post, but it was kind of cool to see all the things I've already accomplished...even though I'm still 38 pounds from goal!

Things I WON'T miss (but seriously can't imagine life without yet): My thighs rubbing together Snoring (done!) Shopping at stores with large sizes (kinda done!) Not worrying about fitting into booths/chairs/plane seats/etc (done!) Having to work twice as hard to hike/ride a horse/etc. (done!) Being unbelievably embarrassed in a bathing suit Being over the weight limit on our kayak (done!) Causing a tidal wave if I get on a boat Causing an earthquake if I fall off my horse Not being able to mount my horse from the ground (done!) Not being able to cross my legs Lying on my back and not being able to breathe (done!) Wishing my husband had a wife he could be proud of (done!!!!!) Things I can't wait for (but , again, can't really imagine yet: Not having a belly (after ps) Looking my age Being hit on by GOOD LOOKING (not old, special ed, still living with mom) men (I know I'm married, but it's nice to be hit on!) Rock climbing Being as athletic as my husband (and how I USED to be) Being able to run down a hill without worrying that I"m going to fall Being smaller than my SIL Being smaller than my DH Being pregnant and LOOKING pregnant (not fat) Crossing my legs COMFORTABLY My thighs not rubbing together My next high school reunion (the only reason I missed the last one was because of all the weight I gained) Not having to ask the weight limit on things like the rock climbing wall Dancing without looking like an idiot (then again, I don't know if weight loss will cure this one!) Not constantly thinking about food Being able to run a mile with my students...and beating some of them!! Being the kind of basketball coach who runs with her kids rather than watching from the sidelines I know this is a long post, but it was kind of cool to see all the things I've already accomplished...even though I'm still 38 pounds from goal!

This is a great thread! I had to reply: Things I WON'T miss (but seriously can't imagine life without yet): My thighs rubbing together Snoring (done!) Shopping at stores with large sizes (kinda done!) Not worrying about fitting into booths/chairs/plane seats/etc (done!) Having to work twice as hard to hike/ride a horse/etc. (done!) Being unbelievably embarrassed in a bathing suit Being over the weight limit on our kayak (done!) Causing a tidal wave if I get on a boat Causing an earthquake if I fall off my horse Not being able to mount my horse from the ground (done!) Not being able to cross my legs Lying on my back and not being able to breathe (done!) Wishing my husband had a wife he could be proud of (done!!!!!) Things I can't wait for (but , again, can't really imagine yet: Not having a belly (after ps) Looking my age Being hit on by GOOD LOOKING (not old, special ed, still living with mom) men (I know I'm married, but it's nice to be hit on!) Rock climbing Being as athletic as my husband (and how I USED to be) Being able to run down a hill without worrying that I"m going to fall Being smaller than my SIL Being smaller than my DH Being pregnant and LOOKING pregnant (not fat) Crossing my legs COMFORTABLY My thighs not rubbing together My next high school reunion (the only reason I missed the last one was because of all the weight I gained) Not having to ask the weight limit on things like the rock climbing wall Dancing without looking like an idiot (then again, I don't know if weight loss will cure this one!) Not constantly thinking about food Being able to run a mile with my students...and beating some of them!! Being the kind of basketball coach who runs with her kids rather than watching from the sidelines I know this is a long post, but it was kind of cool to see all the things I've already accomplished...even though I'm still 38 pounds from goal!

Luluc... I understand what you are saying here..that because there are differences of opinion of when life begins, this right to choose should not be infringed. However, those of us who see life as beginning at conception do not see it as anything other than biological fact...not opinion. Scientifically speaking (and putting my religious beliefs COMPLETELY aside), life needs three things to exist: the ability to grow, the ability to consume food, and the ability to reproduce upon maturity. From conception, the combined egg and sperm have all of the necessary components for life...100% of its DNA as well as the three items necessary for life to exist. So, while I see your point of view, I cannot accept that logic as, to me, it goes against scientific thinking.

Babygrl...I totally understand. But, then again, here could be another problem. I have a senior from the high school come into my classroom as an aide 3 days a week (I teach 5th graders). She came for the first time yesterday and I found out she had just transferred here from another nearby town. Why did she transfer here? This high school offers child care. Gee, could that be a problem?

Thanks Maria! That definitely helps! I'm hoping to keep it filled as long as possible. :-)

Okay, I had to respond to this thread on several levels. First of all, I used to work at the Disney Store. I can't even tell you how many parents would ask us (COMPLETE STRANGERS) to watch their kids while they did a little shopping...including infants in strollers! Or, how many times the mall closed, we would have no adults in the store, but there would be kids (sometimes even under 5) who said their parents told them to wait in the Disney Store. Unbelievable. Secondly, as a teacher, I can walk into a classroom and tell you which parents spank their children and which don't. Which parents beat their children and which don't even know who their teacher is. Which parents push every illness on their child (allergies, ADHD, etc.) and which parents have a much firmer view of reality. Which parents will reluctantly do SOMETHING with their child if I call them daily and which parents will just not answer the phone because they are still asleep. And this isn't even MY classroom...this is any classroom. After so many years of teaching, I think you can just tell about 90% of the time. I can also tell you that my parents would always believe the adult. I can't tell you how many parents blame ME for their child not doing their homework. For their child making a bad choice on the playground. For their child (fill in the blank). I had a parent call me racist for telling their child (who was born in the United States...as were her parents) that she was American. I've had a parent yell at me because their child had to call home for not having an assignment done and she didn't want to deal with it. I had a parent ask me 3/4 of the way through the school year, "What time do they get out of school again?" Now, mind you, I had called this parent DAILY before this to come pick up their child on time. I've had MULTIPLE parents pretend to not speak English so they wouldn't have to deal with their child. I had a parent who lived about 1/2 mile away have her children walk to school in pouring rain and forty degree weather with no socks, and in shorts and T-shirts. No jackets (even though they had them...I made sure of that earlier in the year). She was just too lazy to get up and give it to them. I had a parent yell at me because her daughter fell during basketball practice, got up, spent the rest of the practice running, but mom was convinced her ankle was broken. The kid spent 2 hours on crutches the next day, figured out that they were hard work, and decided her ankle was fine. I've been to a student's house (yes, I do several home visits a year) and have a john waiting outside until I left so that he could go inside where mom and older sister in high school were prostitutes (CPS did nothing). I had another teacher tell me something very interesting this year, and I"m planning on using it in the future. Education responsibility has three parts. I am 1/3 responsible, the student is 1/3 responsible, and the parent is 1/3 responsible. When that child is at home, that means that the parent is now 2/3 responsible. Do the math! Okay, enough of my ranting. I LOVE my job and wouldn't change it for the world. But, even after almost ten years of teaching (a pittance to many teachers, I know), parents STILL surprise me!

Elenation...I agree with what you said 100%. I was going to post here, but now I don't have to! You said it perfectly...and probably way nicer than I would have

I don't exercise right now, but I want to. I was always athletic (and still am to a degree), but our treadmill was broken. I live in the mountains so a walk at night carries a definite degree of danger. A run being an even higher degree. However, now that it is getting darker later, my DH and I have been taking walks. It's not really exercising because we more amble than walk, but I want to change that. I didn't like Curves either. I got bored and the workout was not challenging enough for me. No matter how hard I tried (I even brought in a jump rope to try and up my cardio), but I never even broke a sweat. And, when I would go hiking on the weekends, I never saw any improvement in my cardio. But that's just my two cents. I know so many people who love it!

I have been reading this thread for a couple of months now, but never posted. I wasn't close enough yet...or even close enough to hope. I always figured in the back of my mind that I would post when I hit 219, but I didn't figure on that REALLY happening. Well, this morning, I hit 219. I am now 20 pounds away from 199. 20 pounds!!! I know I'm not as close as most people who post here, but I just can't believe I'm even LOOKING at 199. So here's my countdown: 19 pounds and counting!!!!

That is so cool! I remember when that happened! I remember when I originally put 240. I think I was actually about 260 at the time. Then, I had to renew it a couple of months ago (was it only a couple of months!??!?!) and I struggled on what weight to put there. I was still 55 pounds from my goal weight so that wouldn't work. So, I put my EXACT weight from that morning--235--which was only 5 pounds less than what was originally on it. The DMV guy thought I was strange for making him change it only 5 pounds. I don't know about other states, but I know CA has the date your license was issued on the bottom. I figured I could go back later and see what I was on that exact date. Well, it's been about 2 months and I am now 219...16 more pounds gone! Yay!

I posted this in a thread, but it's SO how I feel right now. I can't believe we are 7 months out! I think of what was going through my head seven months ago. I was so embarrassed to just exist. I hated the way I walked. I didn't walk. I waddled. I hated the way I felt around my husband. Every time he told me I was sexy, I just KNEW he was lying (even though I know NOW he really felt that way). I got SO tired when I was hiking. I wouldn't let it stop me, but I had to work SO much harder. I couldn't get in on my horse without the saddle slipping down the side (no matter how tight it was). Even if I did manage not to move the saddle, I couldn't pull my weight up there. Just the other day, I almost flew over the other side of him because I pulled myself up TOO much! The other teacher I work with is also large. I felt like we were the fat team of teachers on campus. I worried about getting pregnant. I'm going to start trying next month, and I knew my weight would be an issue...and I would feel like a failure all over again. ALL that has changed in seven months. I don't worry about going to Disneyland or Six Flags. I know I'll fit in all the rides. I'm going to Washington DC this June. I know I"ll fit in the seat just fine. I know that if I fall off my horse, I won't cause a small earthquake! And I know I"ll be able to get back up! I can shop in the normal parts of certain stores that go up to larger sizes...such as Old Navy, Target, and Walmart. I double-duched with my students. I know that, even though I'm a size 18 now, by next month, these clothes will be too big to wear. And, I know, that even though the scale went down another pound today, it is not the last pound. It WILL go down again in a couple of days. I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world.

I posted this in a thread, but it's SO how I feel right now. I can't believe we are 7 months out! I think of what was going through my head seven months ago. I was so embarrassed to just exist. I hated the way I walked. I didn't walk. I waddled. I hated the way I felt around my husband. Every time he told me I was sexy, I just KNEW he was lying (even though I know NOW he really felt that way). I got SO tired when I was hiking. I wouldn't let it stop me, but I had to work SO much harder. I couldn't get in on my horse without the saddle slipping down the side (no matter how tight it was). Even if I did manage not to move the saddle, I couldn't pull my weight up there. Just the other day, I almost flew over the other side of him because I pulled myself up TOO much! The other teacher I work with is also large. I felt like we were the fat team of teachers on campus. I worried about getting pregnant. I'm going to start trying next month, and I knew my weight would be an issue...and I would feel like a failure all over again. ALL that has changed in seven months. I don't worry about going to Disneyland or Six Flags. I know I'll fit in all the rides. I'm going to Washington DC this June. I know I"ll fit in the seat just fine. I know that if I fall off my horse, I won't cause a small earthquake! And I know I"ll be able to get back up! I can shop in the normal parts of certain stores that go up to larger sizes...such as Old Navy, Target, and Walmart. I double-duched with my students. I know that, even though I'm a size 18 now, by next month, these clothes will be too big to wear. And, I know, that even though the scale went down another pound today, it is not the last pound. It WILL go down again in a couple of days. I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world.

I can't believe we are 7 months out either! I think of what was going through my head seven months ago. I was so embarrassed to just exist. I hated the way I walked. I didn't walk. I waddled. I hated the way I felt around my husband. Every time he told me I was sexy, I just KNEW he was lying (even though I know NOW he really felt that way). I got SO tired when I was hiking. I wouldn't let it stop me, but I had to work SO much harder. I couldn't get in on my horse without the saddle slipping down the side (no matter how tight it was). Even if I did manage not to move the saddle, I couldn't pull my weight up there. Just the other day, I almost flew over the other side of him because I pulled myself up TOO much! The other teacher I work with is also large. I felt like we were the fat team of teachers on campus. I worried about getting pregnant. I'm going to start trying next month, and I knew my weight would be an issue...and I would feel like a failure all over again. ALL that has changed in seven months. I don't worry about going to Disneyland or Six Flags. I know I'll fit in all the rides. I'm going to Washington DC this June. I know I"ll fit in the seat just fine. I know that if I fall off my horse, I won't cause a small earthquake! And I know I"ll be able to get back up! I can shop in the normal parts of certain stores that go up to larger sizes...such as Old Navy, Target, and Walmart. I double-duched with my students. I know that, even though I'm a size 18 now, by next month, these clothes will be too big to wear. And, I know, that even though the scale went down another pound today, it is not the last pound. It WILL go down again in a couple of days. I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world.

You CAN do it. I didn't want to call my doctor the FIRST time to get this surgery in the first place...I was very embarrassed. But, I figured, what have I got to lose? I mean, besides weight . I decided that I didn't care what my doctor's opinion of me is...and I care about other people's opinions (I know...bad). I don't hang out with him. He's not a close friend. I looked at him as a tool to get me where I want to be. The best thing about the band is that you are NOT a failure. The band means you can get a fill and be back on track easily! Just call. Pretend you are not embarrassed. Pretend you are not scared. Pretend you have been succeeding and fell on a small setback (which you did). In my life, I have found that pretending to be something else usually results in my becoming that person eventually. So pretend to be all the best that you want to be, and then, one day, you'll wake up and see that you ARE that person. Good luck!

You are NEVER too old for a miniskirt! If you feel sexy, no matter the age, do it! (I wouldn't wear a skimpy top with it though...sexy and hooker are two different things :-) )

I eat 3-5 bites and have to stop. Is that unusual?